This is a hike we have done numerous times before but never as early as the first of March. We knew we would hit snow and probably have to turn around short of the pass but that was not the case. The trail disappeared in the snow at about 3500 ft. but we were determined and looking for a little adventure so we made our own trail. The snow got deeper and deeper the higher we got but some old blazes on trees helped us to find the way. Snowshoes would have helped us to avoid postholing and sliding into treewells but we didn't know we would be able to get so far. The weather and scenery were perfect and now there is a snowpath to follow to the pass. The trail is in good shape except for one big blowdown that we detoured around and did some limb sawing on. Be prepared for at least a mile of snow. Rusty Nail

This is a good winter workout hike. The road is rough, but passable. The trail is steep, wet, rocky, and full of roots. In spite of the difficult access, it is a great hike. There are many granite slabs with water flowing down them. There was one big, but passable, blowdown about a half mile above Three O'clock Rock. I encountered icy snow at about 3,500 feet. With Yaktrax I was able to ascend a few hundred feet more until the snow obliterated the trail. I will return this summer and hike to Squire Creek Pass.

The trail is rocky, wet, lots of roots and up with very few switch backs. Still snow free, but icy at the pass. Great views of Three Fingers and White Horse.

Thought I'd get above the "marine" layer of clouds by heading to 4000' Squire Pass. Was the perfect tank top and shorts hiking temps but the "marine layer" lasted all the way to the pass, and then as if on cue after about 20 minutes at the pass, the clouds parted, Three Fingers and surrounding area peaked out, then after about an hour and a half later the clouds closed the curtain again. Trail is in good shape, irritating rocks to begin with, then beautiful forest, then roots as the forest opens up into heather and huckleberry fields. Hardly a flower hike, but in the early fall definitely a berry hike. Swarms of tiny, tiny flies (large gnats?) that liked to get in between my face and glasses. They were mostly in the damp areas and in the open areas. Had to put on a long sleeve shirt, a buzz off hat and buzz off bandana, and that seemed to do the trick. No signs of wildlife, and only one other couple on the trail. Overall a pleasant trail with great rewarding views at the top. I have to second what Kim Brown says about this trail. It's pleasant, and certainly no harder, rootier, rockier than a Rachel Lake or Mailbox trail. And no crowds.

Because of the washouts on the Squire Creek road, the quickest way to get to the lovely granite parkland of Squire Creek Pass is via the Eight Mile Creek trail that starts from the Clear Creek road. Even this route is tough due to the poor quality of the trail, which is a classic Western Washington medley of rocks, roots, and mud. Some basic trailwork has been done recently, mitigating the pain somewhat; there is almost no problem with brush and blowdowns. The drive to the trailhead on Clear Creek Road is rough in spots, but most cars can make it with care (one dip will cause trouble for especially low-slung cars). From the well-signed trailhead, the Eightmile Creek trail starts out easily enough as it follows an old logging road gently upward. All too soon, the trail leaves the roadbed and makes a rapid switchbacking climb through a thick second growth forest. The tread is eroded and poor here, but at least there is no mud. At length, the trail breaks out onto a brushy talus slope with good views out over Clear Creek's valley, then shortly arrives at the base of the impressive granite monolith of "Three O'Clock Rock", named by the rock climbers frequenting the area. Big granite cliffs can be seen on the far side of Clear Creek's valley also; it feels a bit like Yosemite around here. Past the rockslide, the trail switchbacks rapidly uphill on crummy tread in a beautiful old growth forest, then levels out to cross a picturesque creek that tumbles down a granite slab waterfall. Steep climbing resumes beyond the creek, with plenty more mudholes and roots to aggravate the hiker, but as the path approaches the pass, the grade eases off and the final mile of trail is a delight as it rambles through a lovely subalpine parkland. The last bit of trail to the pass follows a pathway of solid granite; watch for cairns to find the way. Arriving at Squire Creek Pass, you are greeted by a magnificent view of Three Fingers Mountain. Acres of level granite at the pass invite easy roaming. It's a scene right out of the High Sierras. No more snow remains at the pass.